Transparent Food Labeling

I believe that consumers deserve to know where their food is coming from and how it has been produced. People want to make the right decision, but they cannot do that without information, which is why food labelling is so important.

The Government announced earlier this year that it will consult on clearer labelling for food. It specifically states it will look at how labelling can better highlight imports that do not meet UK welfare standards and seek evidence and views on how origin information could be improved for consumers. Its consultation on the subject of fairer labelling for food products opened on 12 March 2024 and will close on 7 May.

It had previously committed to consulting on labelling reforms for animal welfare and that it would consult in 2023, before last year stating that, despite increased public appetite for improved welfare labelling, it did not consider the time right to do so.

Our food system is not working. It fails animals, the environment and often the consumer as well. In my view, the Government has not addressed these issues in its food strategy, which I believe remains vague and unambitious. The strategy should have been a plan to ensure that we buy, sell and make more here in Britain by supporting our fantastic producers and entrenching Britain’s reputation as a beacon for quality food, high standards and ethical animal welfare. Instead, it is a missed opportunity.

I want to see the Government work with the food sector to ensure that we can improve animal welfare without pushing up the cost for consumers. As part of this, it needs to set out clear requirements and standards for labelling.